The Orlando Magic continue to grapple with health issues as the 2025-26 NBA season approaches its playoff phase. Despite Paolo Banchero’s strong performances keeping the team competitive, both Anthony Black and Franz Wagner remain sidelined without clear recovery timelines, complicating the Magic’s push toward postseason success.
Anthony Black’s Latest Abdominal Injury Detailed
Anthony Black suffered a lower back strain just two minutes into the recent game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, causing him to miss the following matchup versus the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday. After undergoing an MRI, the team announced on Tuesday that Black has sustained a lateral abdominal muscle strain, which now delays his return pending how well he recovers through treatment.
This development is a discouraging blow for Orlando, as Black has emerged as one of the team’s primary guards during his strong third season. Abdominal injuries typically require players to miss at least a week, but the timeline often extends depending on injury severity. For context, Oklahoma City Thunder’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander missed nine games due to a similar abdominal strain earlier in the season.
Black has appeared in 60 games this season, starting in 40, and has averaged 15.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 45.1 percent from the field. He ranks fourth in team scoring and third in overall points scored with 917.
Franz Wagner’s Ongoing Ankle Recovery
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner continues to battle a left high ankle sprain that has significantly limited his availability this season. The injury first occurred on December 7 in a game against the New York Knicks, causing Wagner to miss 16 straight games. After returning for games in Berlin and London in mid-January, Wagner again missed nine consecutive games due to setbacks.
Since February 11, Wagner has been off the court indefinitely as the Magic monitor his recovery, especially following additional evaluation after the All-Star break. Though progress is being made, the team insists Wagner still requires more time to heal and respond adequately to treatment.
Wagner’s appearances have been limited to just 28 games this season, during which he’s put up averages of 21.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.
Uncertain Return Dates Amid Playoff Push
No official timetable has been announced for either Black or Wagner to rejoin the lineup. Both players will likely remain out for at least another week to assess their recovery and readiness to resume on-court activities, leaving the Magic to navigate their final regular-season games without these key contributors.
The team has still managed to gain momentum thanks largely to Banchero’s leadership, winning four straight games and six of their last eight overall. During the winning streak, Banchero averaged 27.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, earning him consideration for the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award.
Orlando Magic Aim to Strengthen Position in East
Currently holding a 35-28 record, the Magic are focused on carrying this positive run into their upcoming game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, hoping to climb further in the Eastern Conference standings. With injuries casting a long shadow over the team’s playoff prospects, the ability of Black and Wagner to return healthy remains crucial.
The Magic have committed to providing further updates on the injury statuses of both players as information becomes available, keeping fans and analysts watching closely as the postseason approaches.
“Abdominal injuries usually result in players missing at least a week’s worth of action, but can sometimes linger longer depending on the severity of the injury.” ?Team medical staff
.@OrlandoMagic INJURY UPDATES: pic.twitter.com/lYTIQEfsWP
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) March 10, 2026
